Setback to INDIA bloc as former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan quits Congress

12 Feb 2024 Evaluate

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) and senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan resigned from the party today, in another setback to the opposition alliance INDIA bloc, months before the Lok Sabha elections. 

Ashok Chavan has resigned just after senior Maharashtra Congress leaders Baba Siddiqui and Milind Deora quit the grand old party. Talking to media after the resignation, Chavan said, ‘I have given my resignation as MLA as well as from all posts in the Congress party. In a couple of days, I will decide what is to be done ahead. I have worked for Congress all my life but am now looking for options.’  Private report said that the BJP is likely to offer a Rajya Sabha seat to Chavan. They also said that 10 to 12 MLAs are also in touch with Chavan and will switch sides in due course. 

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said everything will become clear with time, wait and see. About the Chavan's exit, the senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, ‘These betrayers don't realise that their exit opens up vast new opportunities to those whose growth they have always stunted.’ Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena said, ‘I am surprised about Ashok Chavan. He was participating in seat distribution until yesterday, and suddenly he switched. I think he has gone for the Rajya Sabha. Everyone seems to be thinking of themselves’.  

Chavan, who was the CM of Maharashtra from December 2008 to November 2010, was considered one of the most influential Congress leaders in Maharashtra. He has held various positions within the party, including General Secretary of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee. He stepped down in 2010 for his alleged involvement in Adarsh housing scam in Mumbai.


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